Sam Wildman

East Northamptonshire home owners and tenants are being given the opportunity to save money on their energy bills with a new collective switching scheme which launches next week.

A partnership between East Northamptonshire Council and collective switching expert iChoosr will see both take part in the Big Community Switch in a bid to help people get a better deal on their gas and electricity.

From December 1 the free scheme, known as Switch Save Smile, invites people to join forces and pay less for their energy.

The more people who register, the greater the chance of getting a competitive energy deal.

Energy suppliers are then invited to take part in the auction to bid against each other to offer the best deal, which takes place in February 2016.

There was an average of £300 saving per household in iChoosr’s last auction.

To sign up, people can visit the council website or visit the sign-up session at the Rushden Customer Service Centre in Newton Road from 10am to 3pm on December 9.

People attending must bring their annual energy statement or latest gas or electricity bill.

Suppliers who offer the cheapest tariffs will then make households an offer, which can be accepted or refused.

East Northamptonshire Council leader Steven North said: “Lots of people haven’t got time to compare energy suppliers or find the whole process quite daunting.

“This is why I’m pleased we’re taking part in the Big Community Switch.

“It’s a hassle-free way of making sure you’re getting a good deal.

“All you need to do is register, which takes less than 10 minutes, and then let iChoosr do all the hard work for you.